CVWD Approves Mandatory Water Restrictions, Fines

The board of the Coachella Valley Water District approved mandatory water-use restrictions Tuesday due to the statewide drought.

The restrictions incorporate state mandates for reducing water use, according to the agency. The Coachella Valley Water District serves most cities in the valley.

The rules include:

-- Irrigate lawns and other landscaping only after sunset and before 10 a.m., except when overseeding or doing maintenance;

-- Repair broken sprinklers within 24 hours;

-- Washing hard surfaces, such a driveways and patios, is prohibited;

-- Drinking water will not be served in restaurants unless it is requested;

-- Wash vehicles and windows only if using a hose with a shut-off nozzle;

-- Prevent runoff flowing onto a neighbor’s property or hard surfaces; and

-- Fountains or other water features must recirculate water.

Those who violate the rules will get a written warning for the first offense, a $50 fine for the second, a $100 fine for the third and $200 fine for the fourth violation, according to the water district.

The Desert Water Agency, which serves Palm Springs and part of Cathedral City, enacted similar restrictions last week.

For more information on the Coachella Valley Water District’s restrictions, go to www.cvwd.org.

— City News Service.